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I remember a conversation that I had with one of my children when she had
recently become a teenager. I will spare you the details but share with you
the lesson that I learned because you may be able to relate to this.
The discussion was one of those that leaned in the direction of, "I'm the
parent and you're the child! As your father, I know what's right and you are
supposed to obey me because I'm the parent."
After I knew she understood what I was saying she replied, "Dad, I will obey
you but would you listen to what I have to say?" She went on to let me
know what she was feeling at the time and then asked, "Does my viewpoint
matter at all?"
When I reflect on this encounter with my child, I have to ask myself,
"Do my children see Jesus in me?" Oh yes, I am the authority because I'm
the parent, and I did have the right answer for our dilemma that we were
dealing with. But did I possess the right and godly attitude throughout the
whole ordeal?
If you are a parent (regardless of the ages of your children - from infancy
through adulthood), do your children see you exhibiting a lifestyle of love,
joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control?
If you are a Bible Class teacher (regardless of the ages of the students -
from toddlers through adults) do the students in your class see you as an
approachable individual with the attitude of Jesus who will listen to each
individual student and their viewpoint? Or do you already have it all
figured out and already know all the answers?
May God give us the desire to treat people as Jesus did as we listen to
their heart. If we would put aside the opinions that we've already formed
to hear what they are saying, we may be pleasantly surprised at what we'll
hear.
See you in Bible Class!
Link to Ted Edwards Home Page